BRADFORD'S billiards team suffered another disappointing defeat in the Yorkshire Inter-District League as they went down 5-2 to Huddersfield No 2 at Great Horton Conservative Club.

Jez Ford got Huddersfield off to a bright start with a break of 35 but Bradford opponent Paul Devitt responded immediately with 32 and followed it with another 32 to establish a lead that he held to the finish for a 200-148 victory.

Trevor Kershaw deputised for the indisposed Steve Wilman but found John Ingleby of Huddersfield in uncompromising mood.

Four breaks over 20 soon got the visitor over the 100 mark and things got little better for the Bradford reserve as Ingleby drove on relentlessly, adding a break of 32 to complete a 200-55 victory.

Bradford captain Stephen Kershaw started well with a break of 69 against Julian Hodge but it proved to be his only major contribution.

Hodge gradually reduced the deficit and seemed to conjure up a score wherever the balls stopped.

However, it was not until right at the end that he managed to overhaul the home player for a 200-190 victory and a 5-2 overall triumph.

Bradford's next match is at Huddersfield No 1 on Saturday, February 20.

The city's snooker teams are back in action this weekend, with Division One leaders Bradford No 1 hosting Harrogate at Undercliffe Cricket Club on Sunday (7.15pm) and Division Two pace-setters Bradford No 2 taking on Brighouse at Cue Gardens on Saturday (7.30pm).

The draws for the quarter-finals of the Bradford snooker singles and pairs will be made at 6.45pm, prior to Bradford No 1's match at Undercliffe.

* The Bradford Billiards Championship takes place on Saturday week at Cue Gardens.

The format will be similar to last year, with round-robin matches to produce four semi-finalists, and all players are guaranteed a minimum of three one-hour games.

Entries will be accepted on the day up to 11.45am, with play starting at noon. The entry fee remains at £12.